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Microsoft and Phase One Form Strategic Alliance to Improve Digital Solutions

REDMOND, Wash. and COPENHAGEN , Denmark , Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Microsoft Corp. and Phase One today announced a strategic alliance to explore
ways to improve digital imaging solutions for professional photographers and
enthusiasts. The companies will work together to develop solutions for the
Microsoft Windows platform that further innovation in the digital photography
space. The alliance combines Phase One's industry expertise with Microsoft's
widely used platform technology and includes technology sharing and
intellectual property assets as well as joint marketing.

"Microsoft and Phase One are joining forces to develop solutions for the
Windows platform that meet the sophisticated needs of professional and
'prosumer' photographers," said Kostas Mallios, general manager of the Rich
Media Group at Microsoft. "Today's announcement is another example of
Microsoft's commitment to our customers and the digital imaging industry."

Microsoft has a strong record of making investments in digital imaging
technology for Windows Vista, HD Photo, Photosynth, Digital Image Suite and
other products that provide superior solutions for professional photographers
and enthusiasts alike. The alliance builds on Microsoft's focus in the digital
imaging market by ensuring that professional-quality tools for the Windows
platform are accessible enough for enthusiasts. Phase One has a deep knowledge
of the industry, having built software that streamlines the image-capture and
post-production process for 14 years.

"Professional photographers are always looking for ways to reduce the
amount of time they spend in front of the computer," said Henrik Hakonsson,
CEO of Phase One. "At the same time, enthusiasts want professional-quality
tools but don't want to be bogged down with features and functions they won't
use. We believe our combined expertise in digital imaging technology will help
address these unmet needs to the benefit of our digital back customers and our
digital SLR software customers."

About Phase One

Phase One is a leading provider of digital image capture and workflow
management technology. Phase One P+ Series digital backs open new
possibilities, putting the focus back on the moment of capture. Phase One
Capture One software helps streamline the capture and post-production process.
Supporting DSLR, medium- and large-format photographic equipment, Phase One
products are renowned for their superior quality, flexibility and speed --
enabling pro photographers to realize their most subtle and most complex
visions without compromise.

Phase One is an employee-owned company based in Copenhagen with offices in
New York, London , Tokyo , Cologne and Shanghai .